Peter Dominiczak’s departure to the dark side leaves a vacancy as Telegraph political editor. As ever, MediaGuido brings you your runners and riders…

Steve Swinford, Telegraph – Currently deputy pol ed, Swinford is the immediate favourite to get the succession. Some say his should be the only name on Guido’s list. The job has been compared to the Western Front, join as a private and you’ll be a general in no time. Swinford came as a general reporter only a few years ago and is now the most senior member of the lobby team.

Chris Hope, Telegraph – Would ‘Chopper’ want to make the step up? Well-liked, a masterful story-getter with a sense of mischief, his talent at spotting original angles is almost unrivalled. Even when it’s about the Royal Yacht Britannia or something Arron Banks said on the phone.

James Kirkup, Telegraph – Was due to leave the paper in 2015, but a reverse ferret has seen him stay to write comment and analysis. Tipped by colleagues as a name in the frame.

James Forsyth, Spectator / Sun – Pol ed at the Telegraph’sSpeccie stablemate, Forysth is an outside bet. Though his Spec job and Sun column mean he is well-paid and the Telegraph has no money. Writing a couple of columns a week is a great gig, would he want to do the 30 story-a-day meat grinder for less money? The Telegraph job is a Henry Ford production line of story-making.

Jason Groves/Daniel Martin, Mail – If it’s an external hire it could be from the Mail. Groves is unflappable with good contacts, Martin is a pro. At the Mail they’ll have developed sound political judgement, a grasp of conservatism, how readers see the world and a feel for what is going on. None of which are necessities at the Telegraph.

Tim Ross, Bloomberg – Recently escaped the Telegraph to write about Brexit for Bloomberg, would he want to return? Will be on big cash now and they say no one returns to the Telegraph once they’ve left.

Rowena Mason, Guardian – Also formerly of the Telegraph, Rowena is deputy pol ed at the Guardian though it may be some time before she can break up the dream team job share at the top there. Comfy at Kings Place though.

Matt Chorley, Times Red Box – His famous wit and fun stories surely deserve a wider airing than they currently receive on the Little-Read Box.

Quote of the Day

Trump jokes about media bias…

“The media is even more biased against me than ever before. You want the proof? Michelle Obama gives a speech and everyone loves it. It’s fantastic. They think she’s absolutely great. My Wife Melania gives the exact same speech! And people get on her case! And I don’t get it! I don’t know Why!”